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Taken from Examiner (March 24, 2010)
John Mayer's 'Battle Studies' tour review
by Marian Tuin
John Mayer performing 'Heartbreak Warfare'
in Denver, CO - 2010 |
When the Battle Studies tour arrived in Denver on March 23, the evening was already overshadowed by a severe spring storm that would discourage even the most seasoned drivers from venturing out. Unfazed by the swirling flakes, and at times near white out conditions, the Mayer faithful in turn 'Battled' the elements and streamed into the Pepsi Center just the same. And even with the recent controversy John Mayer attracted with his edgey interview published by Playboy Magazine, there was no apparent love lost in the Denver-based crowd.
Michael Franti and Spearhead quickly warmed the eager crowd with an energetic and lively set. Franti bravely left the safety and security of the stage several times, venturing into the crowd while singing and at one point playing his guitar. He invited several adoring fans to return to the stage with him, including a petite silver haired woman. Once in the spotlight with thousands of eyes on her, Franti entrusted her with his own electric guitar. The lights dimmed and the band playfully supported a little live rendition of Guitar Hero as she strummed along with them to a cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Michael Franti was charming and his set feel good. He eft the crowd gathering in the Pepsi Center smiling and on their feet by closing out with his recent top 20 hit "Say Hey". Franti again offered to share the stage, inviting children and youth to join him, even offering the mic to a young girl who sang a verse of the song.
With the atmosphere now aptly set for the main attraction, the buzz of anticipation rippled across the audience. Sheer netted curtains were drawn around the stage and images of John Mayer were projected onto it as "Heartbreak Warfare" ignited the stillness. The arena erupted as the lights came up revealing a band of characters dressed in black centered by John Mayer. He went straight from 'Heartbreak' to the blues demonstrating his mastery of both, lyrically and on the guitar by following the opening song with "Crossroads" and "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room".
The often outspoken singer/songwriter continued to showcase his ingenuity on the instrument with songs like "Perfectly Lonely" and "Assassin" while layering the set with classics like "Why Georgia" and his breakout single "No Such Thing". An interlude/drum solo by Steve Jordan changed up the pace a bit before Mayer launched into "Waiting On The World To Change" and "Bigger Than My Body". By and large he kept the evening classy even pausing at one point to lead the nearly capacity crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to one of his backup singers.
Of course no concert is ever complete without the awaited encore performance. Again the sheen curtains were drawn around the darkened stage as the crowd relentlessly roared for the return of the accomplished musician. Moving images of Mayer and his colleagues splashed across the fabric encircling the stage as "Who Says" echoed out into the arena. He followed that with a distinctive Mayer jam-like session of "Gravity" leaving a signature stamp on the evening that attests to his brilliance and passionate artistry.
For a complete list of the remaining Battle Studies Tour dates go to: www.johnmayer.com/tour
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